Wedding Photography... Q  & A

At Michael Bell Photography we take our wedding photography very seriously. This is not only a special day for you, but another day for us to demonstrate our skill and ability in capturing the events of your wedding day. With 18 years of experience photographing weddings, Mike gets more Thank You cards and complements with his manner and style of photographing weddings. You'll want a professional photographer with the skill and ability to create those memories of a lifetime on your most special day!!

Q. What does Mike do at a wedding?

A. To start, the bride now has two options about how her wedding is photographed. For many years Mike would bring in a background and professional lighting. By creating his own "set" he has total control of what the final portraits will look like. But lately we have been receiving requests for a more free style or photojournalistic style of photography. While not the style of portraits we have become used to, it does provide a few advantages. With the smaller packages, more time is available for the reception. This means the bride can get a smaller number of pre-wedding photographs and still have time for the reception. The background is still included with the larger packages, since they provide more time to work with. The background style of coverage can still be added to the 4 and 5 hour package.

Either style the bride selects, she is assured of the finest possible portraits.

Q. When do we start?

A. It actually starts weeks before your wedding. The Bride meets with Michael about three to four weeks before the wedding day, to discuss just what Mike wants to do, this planning will provide the Bride with a schedule of when she and her ladies need to be dressed and ready, what time the Groom is expected to be ready with his best man and his attendants, and at what time family members need to be available for portraits. All these issues and more are resolved during this short appointment with Mike.

With the 4 and 5 hour packages we start the photographs 1 hour before the ceremony, no background is used, only the local area in the church itself is used. Photographs are taken of the Bride and her ladies. The Groom then gets the remainder of the available time.

With the 6 and 7 hour packages, the portrait time starts 2 hours before the ceremony. It sounds like a lot of time. But Brides are always surprised at how quickly those 2 hours pass. Mike starts with the Groom and his attendants first, that gives the Bride a little more time before she is needed. After finishing with the Groom, the Bride is given special attention. Mike spends more time with her, it is after all, the Brides day. After creating every possible portrait (and using the unique areas of the wedding location), the Bride is returned to her private room to await the time her wedding will begin.

Q. What happens during the ceremony?

A. During the ceremony Mike is VERY busy. Using the rear of the sanctuary, timed exposures of your special event will be captured. No flash or disturbing movement for your special day during the actual event!

Q. After the ceremony?

A. After the ceremony, a quick altar return for those special images of the new husband and wife!! Mike usually has the Bride and Groom on their way in about 25 ~ 35 minutes (depending on what special requests you made in your planning session).

Q. The reception?

A. Receptions are normally handled in a very traditional manner. Mike will coordinate the events (toast, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss, etc., with your DJ or band header. That way we can keep your reception moving and make sure everyone has a great time.

Q. What do I need to do on my wedding day?

A. Be beautiful and radiant. Mike will handle the rest. At most weddings, the bride and groom later tell Mike that they had no idea what to do, all the planning was totally forgotten once they were in front of the crowd. Mike helped guide them though their most nervous times.

Q. Posing?

A. Mike selects all posing and poses, Mike will base the pose selection on many factors, the type of gown you select, your hair style will even be taken into consideration. The layout at the front of the sanctuary for the groups. All things must be considered. That's why you're hiring Michael Bell Photography in the first place!

Q. Others taking pictures?

A. When Mike is creating portraits on his background and at the altar, no one is allowed to take photographs, this includes video. Mike has learned from many years of experience that too many cooks will usually spoil the dinner. What that means is very simple. When Mike is working to create a mood and to get everyone's attention during the portraits, a "strange flash" going off will in most cases cause someone (usually the BRIDE) to blink, if Mike happens to be taking his portrait at that instant, you'll have that blink in your wedding album.... and we all hate it when we see the ruined pictures caused by blinks. Think how you will feel, "Uncle Harold tried to help and ruined a portrait, on the most important day of my life". Besides, with Mike's camera's costing in the area of $4,500.00 each, Uncle Harold's $300.00 special is not in the same league! Video is not allowed during Mike's portrait session for the same reason. Every one starts to watch the wrong person. As a professional photographer, Mike insists on this exclusive privilege.

Q. Will my portraits look like the samples in the studio?

A. With the proper planning and cooperation, Mike always feels that the most recent wedding photographs are even BETTER than what you have seen in the studio!! Mike is always growing and working hard to make each wedding album better than the last. No exceptions!!

Q. What does each Wedding Package Collections contain? What comes in the package and how is it configured? Can I get Prices and a detailed description of each Package and what they contain?

A. Click the button to view our Wedding Collections.  

Relax..... It's your Wedding Day...

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